You had better...a doctor.

Appeared in: MNS 2015

Explanation

The phrase 'had better' is a modal expression used to give strong advice or a warning.
It must be followed by the base form of the verb, also known as the bare infinitive (the verb without 'to').
The correct structure is: Subject + had better + [base verb].
In this sentence, 'consult' is the base verb that correctly follows 'had better'.

Option A: 'Consulted' is the past tense/past participle form of the verb. Modal expressions like 'had better' are not followed by past tense verbs.
Option C: 'To consult' is the full infinitive form. The rule for 'had better' specifically requires the bare infinitive, meaning the 'to' must be omitted.
Option D: 'Consultation' is a noun, meaning a meeting with an expert for advice. The grammatical structure after 'had better' requires a verb (an action word), not a noun.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Grammar: Use of the modal expression 'had better' as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This question tests English grammar, not a clinical nursing concept.
However, clear and grammatically correct communication is essential in all professional settings, including healthcare, to avoid misunderstandings in patient care, documentation, and team collaboration.
For example, when giving instructions or recommendations to patients or colleagues, using correct grammar ensures the message is understood as intended.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key phrase in the sentence stem, which is 'had better'.
Recognize that 'had better' is a special modal expression used for giving strong advice.
Recall the grammatical rule associated with 'had better': it must be followed by the base form of a verb (the bare infinitive).
Examine the options provided: 'consulted' (past tense), 'consult' (base form), 'to consult' (full infinitive), and 'consultation' (noun).
Apply the rule: Select the option that is the base form of the verb, which is 'consult'.
Eliminate the other options based on the rule: 'to consult' is incorrect because of 'to', 'consulted' is the wrong tense, and 'consultation' is the wrong part of speech.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full MNS 2015

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.